Tom Warr ← All Barristers

Tom Warr

Barrister · Samuel Griffith Chambers

Tom Warr brings more than two decades of experience at the coalface of criminal law. He has built a reputation for resilience, meticulous preparation, and an unwavering commitment to clients—particularly those who are vulnerable or facing overwhelming odds.

‘In 25 years in criminal law, there’s little I haven’t encountered. I’ve always had an underdog spirit—standing up for those under pressure and pushing back against unfairness.’

Tom began his legal career in commercial practice before making a decisive shift to criminal law. He moved to London to work with a criminal defence firm on Fleet Street, where he developed a strong foundation in serious criminal matters, refined his instincts as a trial advocate, and was admitted to practise as a solicitor in England and Wales.

Upon returning to Australia, Tom spent eight years with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in New South Wales and the Northern Territory, gaining extensive experience across jurisdictions and court environments.

His practice encompasses the full spectrum of criminal law, from complex indictable offences to pleas and summary hearings. He has a particular affinity for Local Court matters and is widely regarded as a barrister willing to take on any case where he can assist.

Known for his rigorous work ethic, Tom leaves no part of a brief unread and no issue unexplored. He approaches every matter with thoroughness, authenticity, and determination, bringing a strong and consistent sense of fairness to his advocacy.

In addition to his Australian and UK qualifications, Tom studied for and passed the New York Bar examinations before being admitted as an attorney in New York, further broadening his legal perspective across jurisdictions.

Outside practice, Tom is a keen surfer—an enduring interest that provides balance to the demands of criminal litigation.

Areas of Practice

Criminal law, including Local Court hearings and District and Supreme Court trials

Sentencing

Bail

Coronial inquests

Commissions of inquiry

Admissions & Qualifications

High Court of Australia, 2014

Barrister (NSW), 2013

Attorney (New York, USA), 2011

Solicitor (ACT), 2009

Solicitor (NT), 2007

Solicitor (England & Wales), 2003

Solicitor (NSW), 2001

BEc, University of Sydney

LLB, University of Sydney

LLM, University of Sydney

Qualified Lawyers Transfer Examinations (London)

New York State & Multistate Bar Examinations

Professional Background

Graduate Solicitor, Clayton Utz, 2000–2002

Defence Solicitor, Bark & Co Solicitors, London, 2002–2004

State Prosecutor, ODPP (NSW), 2004–2007

State Prosecutor, ODPP (NT), 2007–2008

Senior Solicitor, Australian Securities & Investments Commission, 2008–2009

Defence Solicitor, Australian Criminal Law Specialists, 2010

Barrister (NSW), 2013–present

Panel Memberships & Appointments

Legal Aid NSW's Indictable and Complex crime barrister panels

Legal Aid NSW's Summary criminal law, Mental health and Domestic violence panels

ODPP Private Briefing Panel

NSW Bar Association

Brief Tom Warr

Clerk: Michael Wilcox · clerk@sgchambers.com.au